CURRENT SIP: 2010 Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenère, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile

With a delicious, rich aroma of raspberries, blackberries, vanilla and spice, this carmenère did not disappoint the palate either. There is more raspberry on taste, with plum, chocolate, exotic spice and a little pepper, but it is more dry and earthy than juicy and fruit-forward. The tannins are relatively mild; it has low acidity; a full, yet smooth mouthfeel; and a well-balanced structure. Even in the heat of the summer, it’s a pleasurable glass of wine.

PAIR IT WITH: This wine can be paired with a variety of meats: lamb, ribs, chicken or beef. Think of sauces for the meats that would match the wine: They can be richer in order to stand up to the weight of the wine, and embellished with exotic spices, such as allspice, cinnamon or ginger. Pasta with a hearty tomato and red wine sauce and vegetables would pair nicely, too.

PRICE: About $15. It can be found in Miami-Dade County at Liquored Up, in Miami Beach, and Milams Market, in North Miami Beach.

-- "Earthy" Jennifer